I've shared versions of this before, and I feel like it's important to continue to do so. Until we stop putting ourselves on top of the food chain, we will never become apart of nature. I'm not suggesting that we all become vegans and dance wildly in the trees. The dancing part does sound pretty fun though! What I am suggesting, however, is that we could all benefit from placing ego on the sidelines and making an effort to say more things like: "I'm sorry" "I miss you" "I love you" "I was wrong" "how can I fix it".

I've had to do a lot of this in the recent past. So many times I was quick to anger because my ego told me that my early experiences were being played out in my current experience. I wasn't able to see beyond the habits and encounters that created my current mindset. I was misplacing the effects of a completely different time and place, on the present moment. This caused me to lash out in fear, frustration and what I now know was also confusion. My instincts knew that it wasn't right, but I couldn't stop it. I was watching myself lose control, but my brain was in panic mode and self preservation was all that mattered. Ego was all that mattered.

I also held onto grudges like they were my last bit of control over someone whom I had no right to even be considering as responsible for any part of my happiness. I was solely responsible for my own happiness, and I just had to get moving on ways to beat my brain at its own game. So I did. I buckled down and I fought like my life depended on it. Because it did. And I began to forgive.

I forgave my "enemies". I forgave my "friends". But most importantly, I forgave my past. I forgave those whom I had blamed and begrudged for all those years. Years of telling myself I wasn't good enough, and years of hiding behind the pain that those moments brought me. I released my burden of self criticism and fully embraced the wild calling in my soul to start living how I alone saw fit. No one was going to judge me on my day's end except my own regrets and should haves.

I started to find ways that I might be able to help others, who felt like I did. These "ways" are not big, grand endeavours that touch the whole, wide world...No. They are small acts. Words of advice. Dog courses. They are displays of service within my own small world.

I think that's where it starts. In our backyards and communities. Trying to make a difference and be a good person to those around us. Maybe inspiring them to do the same. Because trying to change the whole world is a daunting task when looked at from our tiny place on this planet. So starting small, we start to see the ripple effects of one small act of kindness. One word of comfort given in a time of grief or sadness. A door, hand or trust held within a moment of need. Telling someone "look at you go, you're doing a great job". Or "I see your struggle, I feel your pain...but you got this". Reminding others they are not alone. We have their back. When we perform these things for others, we also give back to ourselves tenfold.

I didn't come up with these concepts. They've always been there, it just took awhile for me to see them. I meditated, drew cards, worked with crystals, sought out the wisdom of counsellors and therapists. And I surrounded myself with soul sisters. Other deeply grounded individuals who were not afraid to admit the mistakes of being human, find truths in a corrupt society, and who let go of ego.

All of this ultimately made me a better human, but also a better dog handler. Because all of this, also applies to your relationship with your dog. Letting go of ego, and embracing the pure, unfiltered spirit of nature will foster a bond that you never thought possible. Putting frustration and anger in its place will force you to replace those emotions with patience and compassion. Looking at the whole picture generates a new perspective of where your dog is coming from, and in what areas you need to work on first. Maybe taking two steps back, creates the foundation you needed to fix the initial issue. But what will happen for sure by putting ego on a back burner and relying instead on integrity and tolerance, is it will build trust and harmony. Which ultimately leads to results.